CHAMBA
Blessed with bounties of nature, Chamba is perched on a ledge of terraced hill slopes overlooking the river Ravi. Ancient temples and beautiful sceneries combine to make Chamba an interesting destination.
The centre of the town is devoted to a kilometer long grassy promenade called Chowgan. All important public events are held here. During the annual festivals Suimata (March–April) and the Minjar (July–August), Chowgan turns into a colourful fairground.
The temples of Chamba are mostly few centuries old. They are intricately carved and reflect a combination of traditional Chamba and the north Indian architectural styles. Most temples have interesting legendary antecedents. From the terrace of the hill top Chamunda Devi Temple, you can get an excellent view of the surroundings including the slate-roof houses – some of which are also a couple of centuries old.
HOW TO REACH
Chamba can be accessed from the different corners of the valley. There are regular buses from Dalhousie – 56 km, Khajjiar – 24 km, Pathankot – 119 km. Chamba to Dalhousie via Khajjiar is only 43 km. There are also ordinary buses from Dharamsala, Ranikhet, Shimla, Manali, Amritsar etc. Pathankot is the nearest railhead with onward connections.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Late September to early April is quite pleasant. Can be quite warm in summer and monsoon is best avoided.
ACCOMMODATION
Iravati
Himachal Tourism’s Hotel
Tel: (1899) 222671
Rent: The room rents vary according to the season. There are three seasons, namely Low Season (6 January to 31 March), Mid Season (21 July to 30 September) and High Season (1 April to 20 July and 1 October to 20 December). Special Occasion is applicable from 21 December to 5 January.
Double-bedroom Super Deluxe costs Rs. 1,050–700/-; Double-bedroom Deluxe costs Rs. 770–1,300/-; Double-bedroom Semi Deluxe costs Rs. 700–1,200/-; Double-bedroom Regular costs Rs. 630–1,100/-.
Hotel Champak
Tel: (1899) 222774
Rent: Double-bedroom costs Rs. 350/–; Dormitory costs Rs. 100/- for all seasons.
Aroma Palace
Tel: (011)45566666
Rent: Maharaja Room costs Rs. 3,456/-; Super Deluxe Room costs Rs. 1,440/-; Deluxe Room costs Rs. 1,248/-; Maharani Room costs Rs. 2,688/-; Honeymoon Room costs Rs. 1,632. The rents are inclusive of costs of Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. There is an extra 10% luxury tax on the rents.
Shiwalik Hotel
Tel: (1899) 222621
Jimmy's Inn
Tel: (1899) 24748
Rishi Hotel
Tel: (1899)24343
Akhand Chandi Hotel
Tel: (1899)22371
Orchard Hut (12 kilometers away)
Contact
Manimahesh Travels
Tel: (1899) 22507
TRAVEL TIPS Some interesting places in the vicinity are: the Akhandachandi Palace, Rang Mahal, Bhuri Singh Museum, Lakshmi-Narayan group of temples, Champabati Temple, Brajeswari Temple, Sui Matamandir and Harirai Temple.
To bring home a small piece of souvenir sneak peak into Himachal Emporium. Open Monday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Look for Rumals – small piece of cloth with silk thread embroidery portraying religious and tribal themes. It is an exclusive Chamba product.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism’s tourist office at Hotel Iravati
Tel: (01899)22671